U.S. patent application number 14/629323 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for mobile terminal and method for controlling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Soyoung BAE, Hongseok CHOI, Woong JEONG, Eun KWON, Daemyeong PARK.
Application Number | 20150241926 14/629323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53882149 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150241926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Daemyeong ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention discloses a mobile terminal capable of
controlling a main display area via an auxiliary display area
implemented by a flexible display. In particular, according to the
present invention, the mobile terminal includes a sensing unit
configured to detect a movement of the mobile terminal, a display
unit configured to contain a main display area exposed to the front
side and an auxiliary display area exposed to the side and a
controller, if the detected movement satisfies a prescribed
condition, configured to control the display unit to switch to an
image sharing mode, the controller, if the mobile terminal enters
the image sharing mode, configured to control the display unit to
output image data on the main display area and output a thumbnail
list for a plurality of images on the auxiliary display area.
Inventors: |
PARK; Daemyeong; (Seoul,
KR) ; BAE; Soyoung; (Seoul, KR) ; JEONG;
Woong; (Seoul, KR) ; CHOI; Hongseok; (Seoul,
KR) ; KWON; Eun; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
53882149 |
Appl. No.: |
14/629323 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2200/1637 20130101;
H04M 1/7253 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 1/1647 20130101;
H04M 1/72569 20130101; G06F 1/1692 20130101; H04M 1/0268 20130101;
G06F 3/016 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101;
G06F 1/1652 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; G06F 3/0481 20060101
G06F003/0481; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; G06F 3/0482 20060101
G06F003/0482 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0023454 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a display comprising a main
display area located on a first side of the mobile terminal and an
auxiliary display area located on a second side of the mobile
terminal; and a controller configured to: switch to an image
sharing mode when a preset condition is satisfied; and cause the
display to display image data on the main display area and display
a thumbnail list including a plurality of images on the auxiliary
display area in the image sharing mode, the image data
corresponding to at least one of the plurality of images.
2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the display further
comprises a flexible display that is deformable such that the main
display area and the auxiliary display area are formed in response
to bending of at least one portion of the flexible display.
3. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein each of the main display
area and the auxiliary display is angled differently such that the
thumbnail list and the image data are displayed toward different
directions.
4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein: the mobile terminal
further comprises a sensor configured to detect movement of the
mobile terminal; and the preset condition is satisfied when the
mobile terminal is moved such that the main display area faces a
horizontal direction.
5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the mobile terminal
further comprises a sensor configured to detect movement of the
mobile terminal; and the preset condition is satisfied when the
mobile terminal is rotated more than a threshold angle.
6. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the preset condition is
satisfied when a touch input is applied to the auxiliary display
area.
7. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein: the auxiliary display
area comprises a first auxiliary display area located at a first
lateral side of the mobile terminal and a second auxiliary display
area located at a second lateral side of the mobile terminal; the
main display area is located between the first auxiliary display
area and the second auxiliary display area; and the preset
condition is satisfied when at least one first touch input is
applied on the first auxiliary display area and at least two second
touch inputs are applied on the second auxiliary display area.
8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is
further configured to cause displaying of a first image on the main
display area in response to an input for selecting the first image
from the thumbnail list, the input received via the auxiliary
display area in the sharing mode.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the controller is
further configured to cause displaying of a control area on the
auxiliary display area when the image data displayed on the main
display area is video data; and the control area is for receiving a
touch input for controlling playback of the video data.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein the controller is
further configured to: cause displaying of the video data played
back on the main display area in response to a playback command
applied via the control area; and cause displaying of a playback
progressive bar on the auxiliary display area while the played back
video data is displayed on the main display area.
11. A method for controlling a mobile terminal, wherein the mobile
terminal comprises a display comprising a main display area located
on a first side of the mobile terminal and an auxiliary display
area located on a second side of the mobile terminal, the method
comprising: switching to an image sharing mode when a preset
condition is satisfied; and displaying image data on the main
display area and a thumbnail list including a plurality of images
on the auxiliary display area in the image sharing mode, the image
data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of images.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the display further comprises a
flexible display that is deformable such that the main display area
and the auxiliary display area are formed in response to bending of
at least one portion of the flexible display.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the main display area
and the auxiliary display is angled differently such that the
thumbnail list and the image data are displayed toward different
directions.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising detect movement of
the mobile terminal, wherein the preset condition is satisfied when
the mobile terminal is moved such that the main display area faces
a horizontal direction.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein: the mobile terminal further
comprises a sensor configured to detect movement of the mobile
terminal; and the preset condition is satisfied when the mobile
terminal is rotated more than a threshold angle.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the preset condition is
satisfied when a touch input is applied to the auxiliary display
area.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the auxiliary display area
comprises a first auxiliary display area located at a first lateral
side of the mobile terminal and a second auxiliary display area
located at a second lateral side of the mobile terminal; the main
display area is located between the first auxiliary display area
and the second auxiliary display area; and the preset condition is
satisfied when at least one first touch input is applied on the
first auxiliary display area and at least two second touch inputs
are applied on the second auxiliary display area.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying a first
image on the main display area in response to an input for
selecting the first image from the thumbnail list, the input
received via the auxiliary display area in the sharing mode.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying a
control area on the auxiliary display area when the image data
displayed on the main display area is video data, wherein the
control area is for receiving a touch input for controlling
playback of the video data.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: displaying the
video data played back on the main display area in response to a
playback command applied via the control area; and displaying a
playback progressive bar on the auxiliary display area while the
played back video data is displayed on the main display area.
Description
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a), this application claims
the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean
Application No. 10-2014-0023454, filed on Feb. 27, 2014, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal enabling
a user to more conveniently use the terminal and a method of
controlling therefor.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to
perform various functions. Examples of such functions include data
and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera,
recording audio, playing music files and outputting music via a
speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some
terminals include additional functionality which supports game
playing, while other terminals are also configured as multimedia
players. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to
receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of
contents, such as videos and television programs.
[0006] Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals
and stationary terminals according to a presence or non-presence of
mobility. And, the mobile terminals can be further classified into
handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to
availability for hand-carry.
[0007] There are ongoing efforts to support and increase the
functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software
and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in
the structural components which form the mobile terminal.
[0008] In general, a mobile terminal has a shape of a hexahedron.
Yet, due to a recently developed flexible display, a method of
diversifying the shape of the mobile terminal is found out. As an
example, if the flexible display is applied, a mobile terminal of a
cylinder form can be developed instead of the mobile terminal of
the conventional hexahedron shape.
[0009] Putting aside the conventional hexahedron shape of the
mobile terminal with the help of the development of the flexible
display may mean that it is not necessary for a display to be
exposed to the front side of the mobile terminal. Hence,
development necessity of a new UI (user interface) applicable to
the mobile terminal to which the flexible display is applied is
increasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and
disadvantages of the related art. Another object of the present
invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of providing an
appropriate UI to the mobile terminal to which a flexible display
is applied and a method of controlling therefor.
[0011] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0012] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, according to one embodiment, a mobile
terminal includes a sensing unit configured to detect a movement of
the mobile terminal, a display unit configured to contain a main
display area exposed to the front side and an auxiliary display
area exposed to the side and a controller, if the detected movement
satisfies a prescribed condition, configured to control the display
unit to switch to an image sharing mode, the controller, if the
mobile terminal enters the image sharing mode, configured to
control the display unit to output image data on the main display
area and output a thumbnail list for a plurality of images on the
auxiliary display area.
[0013] In this case, the display unit includes a flexible display
and the main display area and the auxiliary display area can be
distinguished from each other by bending at least one or more ends
of the flexible display.
[0014] And, the thumbnail list can be outputted on the basis of a
direction different from an output direction of an image outputted
on the main display area. And, the prescribed condition may
correspond to a condition that a direction of a width of the
display unit is vertical to the ground.
[0015] And, the prescribed condition may correspond to a condition
that an operation of the mobile terminal rotating more than a
prescribed angle is detected.
[0016] Or, the prescribed condition may correspond to a condition
that a touch input of a user is received via the auxiliary display
area.
[0017] And, the auxiliary display area includes a first auxiliary
display area installed in a first side of the mobile terminal and a
second auxiliary display area installed in a second side of the
mobile terminal and the prescribed condition can include at least
one or more first touch inputs inputted on the first auxiliary
display area and at least two or more second touch inputs inputted
on the second auxiliary display area.
[0018] And, if an input selecting an item from the outputted
thumbnail list is received in the sharing mode, an image data
corresponding to the selected item can be outputted on the main
display area.
[0019] And, if the image data outputted on the main display area
corresponds to a video data, a control area can be outputted on the
auxiliary display area to control playback of the video data in the
sharing mode.
[0020] And, if a playback command is received via the control area,
the video data is played via the main display area and if the video
data is played, a playback progressive bar can be outputted on the
auxiliary display area in response to the playback.
[0021] To further achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, according to a different embodiment, a
method of controlling a mobile terminal, which is equipped with a
display unit including a main display area exposed to the front
side and an auxiliary display area exposed to the side, includes
the steps of detecting a movement of the mobile terminal, if the
detected movement satisfies a prescribed condition, switching to an
image sharing mode and if the mobile terminal enters the image
sharing mode, controlling the display unit to output image data on
the main display area and output a thumbnail list for a plurality
of images on the auxiliary display area. In this case, the display
unit can include a flexible display and the main display area and
the auxiliary display area can be distinguished from each other by
bending at least one or more ends of the flexible display.
[0022] In this case, the thumbnail list can be outputted on the
basis of a direction different from an output direction of an image
outputted on the main display area.
[0023] And, the prescribed condition may correspond to a condition
that a direction of a width of the display unit is vertical to the
ground.
[0024] Or, the prescribed condition may correspond to a condition
that an operation of the mobile terminal rotating more than a
prescribed angle is detected.
[0025] And, the method can further include the step of detecting a
touch input of a user via the display unit and the prescribed
condition may correspond to a condition that the touch input of the
user is received via the auxiliary display area.
[0026] And, the auxiliary display area includes a first auxiliary
display area installed in a first side of the mobile terminal and a
second auxiliary display area installed in a second side of the
mobile terminal and the prescribed condition can include at least
one or more first touch inputs inputted on the first auxiliary
display area and at least two or more second touch inputs inputted
on the second auxiliary display area.
[0027] And, if an input selecting an item from the outputted
thumbnail list is received in the sharing mode, the method can
further include the step of outputting an image data corresponding
to the selected item on the main display area.
[0028] And, if the image data outputted on the main display area
corresponds to a video data, the method can further include the
step of outputting a control area on the auxiliary display area to
control playback of the video data in the sharing mode.
[0029] And, if a playback command is received via the control area,
the method can further include the step of playing the video data
via the main display area and if the video data is played, the
method can further include the step of outputting a playback
progressive bar on the auxiliary display area in response to the
playback.
[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of
the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
[0032] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0033] FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the
mobile terminal, viewed from different directions;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal
according to an alternative embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for an example of a mobile
terminal 100 including a main display area and an auxiliary display
area;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram for an example of a situation to which
one embodiment of the present invention is applied;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a control method outputting data
information on an auxiliary display area according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram for a first example of a gesture to
enter a sharing mode according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for a second example of a
gesture to enter a sharing mode according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for a control method displaying
an image and a thumbnail list in a sharing mode according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for a control method of a
criterion differently outputting a main display area 151-1 and an
auxiliary area 151-2;
[0042] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for a control method
controlling a main display area 151-1 using a thumbnail list
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a control area configured to control playback of a video
data on an auxiliary display area 151-2 according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a playback progressive bar on an auxiliary display area
151-2 while a video data is played according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for a control method
controlling an output of a main display area in response to a touch
gesture input of a user received on an auxiliary display area
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a control area necessary for playing music via an
auxiliary display area according to one embodiment of the present
invention in case of executing a music playback application;
[0047] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a merit of a
control method controlling music playback in an auxiliary display
area according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Description will now be given in detail according to
exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with
reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be
provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof
will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as "module" and
"unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such
a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the
specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any
special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that which
is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has
generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying
drawings are used to help easily understand various technical
features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented
herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the
present disclosure should be construed to extend to any
alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which
are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.
[0049] It will be understood that although the terms first, second,
etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these
elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are
generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0050] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "connected with" another element, the element can be
connected with the other element or intervening elements may also
be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening
elements present.
[0051] A singular representation may include a plural
representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning
from the context. Terms such as "include" or "has" are used herein
and should be understood that they are intended to indicate an
existence of several components, functions or steps, disclosed in
the specification, and it is also understood that greater or fewer
components, functions, or steps may likewise be utilized.
[0052] Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a
variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals
include cellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop
computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable
computers (PCs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable
devices (for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted
displays (HMDs)), and the like.
[0053] By way of non-limiting example only, further description
will be made with reference to particular types of mobile
terminals. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of
terminals, such as those types noted above. In addition, these
teachings may also be applied to stationary terminals such as
digital TV, desktop computers, and the like.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a
block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present
disclosure, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example
of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.
[0055] The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a
wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit
140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a
controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. It is understood that
implementing all of the illustrated components is not a
requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively
be implemented.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown
having wireless communication unit 110 configured with several
commonly implemented components. For instance, the wireless
communication unit 110 typically includes one or more components
which permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100
and a wireless communication system or network within which the
mobile terminal is located.
[0057] The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one
or more modules which permit communications such as wireless
communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless
communication system, communications between the mobile terminal
100 and another mobile terminal, communications between the mobile
terminal 100 and an external server. Further, the wireless
communication unit 110 typically includes one or more modules which
connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks. To
facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110
includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile
communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a
short-range communication module 114, and a location information
module 115.
[0058] The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining
images or video, a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input
device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit 123
(for example, a touch key, a push key, a mechanical key, a soft
key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data
(for example, audio, video, image, and the like) is obtained by the
input unit 120 and may be analyzed and processed by controller 180
according to device parameters, user commands, and combinations
thereof.
[0059] The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or
more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile
terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user
information, and the like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing
unit 140 is shown having a proximity sensor 141 and an illumination
sensor 142.
[0060] If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or
additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as a
touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a
G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an
infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an
optical sensor (for example, camera 121), a microphone 122, a
battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a
hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal
sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for
example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric
sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal 100 may
be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit
140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more
sensors of the sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.
[0061] The output unit 150 is typically configured to output
various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output,
and the like. The output unit 150 is shown having a display unit
151, an audio output module 152, a haptic module 153, and an
optical output module 154.
[0062] The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or
an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate
a touch screen. The touch screen may provide an output interface
between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as
the user input unit 123 which provides an input interface between
the mobile terminal 100 and the user.
[0063] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various
types of external devices that can be coupled to the mobile
terminal 100. The interface unit 160, for example, may include any
of wired or wireless ports, external power supply ports, wired or
wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a
device having an identification module, audio input/output (I/O)
ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like. In some
cases, the mobile terminal 100 may perform assorted control
functions associated with a connected external device, in response
to the external device being connected to the interface unit
160.
[0064] The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to
support various functions or features of the mobile terminal 100.
For instance, the memory 170 may be configured to store application
programs executed in the mobile terminal 100, data or instructions
for operations of the mobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of
these application programs may be downloaded from an external
server via wireless communication. Other application programs may
be installed within the mobile terminal 100 at time of
manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic
functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving a
call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and
the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in
the memory 170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed
by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the
mobile terminal 100.
[0065] The controller 180 typically functions to control overall
operation of the mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations
associated with the application programs. The controller 180 may
provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user
by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are
input or output by the various components depicted in FIG. 1A, or
activating application programs stored in the memory 170. As one
example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the components
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according to the execution of an
application program that have been stored in the memory 170.
[0066] The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive
external power or provide internal power in order to supply
appropriate power required for operating elements and components
included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may
include a battery, and the battery may be configured to be embedded
in the terminal body, or configured to be detachable from the
terminal body.
[0067] Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in
this figure will now be described in more detail. Regarding the
wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111
is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or
broadcast associated information from an external broadcast
managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may
include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In
some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules 111 may
be utilized to facilitate simultaneously receiving of two or more
broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast
channels.
[0068] The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or
receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities.
Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an
external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network
entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is
constructed according to technical standards or communication
methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for
Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA),
CDMA2000(Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced
Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA
(WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High
Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long
Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like). Examples of wireless
signals transmitted and/or received via the mobile communication
module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony) call
signals, or various formats of data to support communication of
text and multimedia messages.
[0069] The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate
wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or
externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless
Internet module 113 may transmit and/or receive wireless signals
via communication networks according to wireless Internet
technologies.
[0070] Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless
LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living
Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink
Packet Access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access),
Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced),
and the like. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmit/receive
data according to one or more of such wireless Internet
technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.
[0071] In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is
implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM,
CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile
communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs
such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internet module 113 may
cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communication module
112.
[0072] The short-range communication module 114 is configured to
facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for
implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH.TM.,
Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association
(IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication
(NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB
(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. The short-range
communication module 114 in general supports wireless
communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless
communication system, communications between the mobile terminal
100 and another mobile terminal 100, or communications between the
mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or
an external server) is located, via wireless area networks. One
example of the wireless area networks is a wireless personal area
networks.
[0073] In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be
configured similarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable
device, for example, a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted
display (HMD), which is able to exchange data with the mobile
terminal 100 (or otherwise cooperate with the mobile terminal 100).
The short-range communication module 114 may sense or recognize the
wearable device, and permit communication between the wearable
device and the mobile terminal 100. In addition, when the sensed
wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate
with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180, for example, may
cause transmission of data processed in the mobile terminal 100 to
the wearable device via the short-range communication module 114.
Hence, a user of the wearable device may use the data processed in
the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device. For example, when a
call is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user may answer
the call using the wearable device. Also, when a message is
received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the
received message using the wearable device.
[0074] The location information module 115 is generally configured
to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of
the mobile terminal. As an example, the location information module
115 includes a Global Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module,
or both. If desired, the location information module 115 may
alternatively or additionally function with any of the other
modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data
related to the position of the mobile terminal.
[0075] As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module,
a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal
sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile
terminal uses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal
can be acquired based on information related to a wireless access
point (AP) which transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from
the Wi-Fi module.
[0076] The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types
of input to the mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include
audio, image, video, data, and user input. Image and video input is
often obtained using one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may
process image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image
sensors in a video or image capture mode. The processed image
frames can be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in memory
170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may be arranged in a matrix
configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles
or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal 100. As another
example, the cameras 121 may be located in a stereoscopic
arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a
stereoscopic image.
[0077] The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio
input to the mobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed
in various manners according to a function being executed in the
mobile terminal 100. If desired, the microphone 122 may include
assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise
generated in the course of receiving the external audio.
[0078] The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by
a user. Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control
operation of the mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may
include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a
key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side
surface of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a
jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input, among
others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input may be a virtual
key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touch screen through
software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile
terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen. On the
other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on
the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text,
icon, video, or a combination thereof.
[0079] The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or
more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding
environment information of the mobile terminal, user information,
or the like. The controller 180 generally cooperates with the
sending unit 140 to control operation of the mobile terminal 100 or
execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with
an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on
the sensing provided by the sensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140
may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which
will now be described in more detail.
[0080] The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense
presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an
object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field,
infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The
proximity sensor 141 may be arranged at an inner region of the
mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch
screen.
[0081] The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a
transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type
photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric
sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a
capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity
sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and the like. When the
touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity
sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch
screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive
to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case, the
touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximity
sensor.
[0082] The term "proximity touch" will often be referred to herein
to denote the scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be
proximate to the touch screen without contacting the touch screen.
The term "contact touch" will often be referred to herein to denote
the scenario in which a pointer makes physical contact with the
touch screen. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch
of the pointer relative to the touch screen, such position will
correspond to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the
touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 may sense proximity touch,
and proximity touch patterns (for example, distance, direction,
speed, time, position, moving status, and the like).
[0083] In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to
proximity touches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the
proximity sensor 141, and cause output of visual information on the
touch screen. In addition, the controller 180 can control the
mobile terminal 100 to execute different operations or process
different data according to whether a touch with respect to a point
on the touch screen is either a proximity touch or a contact
touch.
[0084] A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch
screen, such as display unit 151, using any of a variety of touch
methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a
capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic field type, among
others.
[0085] As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to
convert changes of pressure applied to a specific part of the
display unit 151, or convert capacitance occurring at a specific
part of the display unit 151, into electric input signals. The
touch sensor may also be configured to sense not only a touched
position and a touched area, but also touch pressure and/or touch
capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply a touch
input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objects
include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the
like.
[0086] When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor,
corresponding signals may be transmitted to a touch controller. The
touch controller may process the received signals, and then
transmit corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the
controller 180 may sense which region of the display unit 151 has
been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a component
separate from the controller 180, the controller 180, and
combinations thereof.
[0087] In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same
or different controls according to a type of touch object that
touches the touch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the
touch screen. Whether to execute the same or different control
according to the object which provides a touch input may be decided
based on a current operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or a
currently executed application program, for example.
[0088] The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented
individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches.
Such touches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a
multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a
pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.
[0089] If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to
recognize position information relating to a touch object using
ultrasonic waves. The controller 180, for example, may calculate a
position of a wave generation source based on information sensed by
an illumination sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since
light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time for which the
light reaches the optical sensor is much shorter than the time for
which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. The
position of the wave generation source may be calculated using this
fact. For instance, the position of the wave generation source may
be calculated using the time difference from the time that the
ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on the light as a
reference signal.
[0090] The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera
sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a
laser sensor.
[0091] Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow
detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D
stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or
overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be
configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to
the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include
photo diodes and transistors at rows and columns to scan content
received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which
changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the
photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object
according to variation of light to thus obtain position information
of the physical object.
[0092] The display unit 151 is generally configured to output
information processed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the
display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an
application program executing at the mobile terminal 100 or user
interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in
response to the execution screen information.
[0093] In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented
as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images.
A typical stereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic
display scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an
auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme
(holographic scheme), or the like.
[0094] The audio output module 152 is generally configured to
output audio data. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a
number of different sources, such that the audio data may be
received from the wireless communication unit 110 or may have been
stored in the memory 170. The audio data may be output during modes
such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a
voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like.
The audio output module 152 can provide audible output related to a
particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message
reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal 100. The
audio output module 152 may also be implemented as a receiver, a
speaker, a buzzer, or the like.
[0095] A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various
tactile effects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise
experience. A typical example of a tactile effect generated by the
haptic module 153 is vibration. The strength, pattern and the like
of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 can be
controlled by user selection or setting by the controller. For
example, the haptic module 153 may output different vibrations in a
combining manner or a sequential manner.
[0096] Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate
various other tactile effects, including an effect by stimulation
such as a pin arrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a
spray force or suction force of air through a jet orifice or a
suction opening, a touch to the skin, a contact of an electrode,
electrostatic force, an effect by reproducing the sense of cold and
warmth using an element that can absorb or generate heat, and the
like.
[0097] The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the
user to feel a tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as
the user's fingers or arm, as well as transferring the tactile
effect through direct contact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may
be provided according to the particular configuration of the mobile
terminal 100.
[0098] An optical output module 154 can output a signal for
indicating an event generation using light of a light source.
Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 may include
message reception, call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm,
a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception
through an application, and the like.
[0099] A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be
implemented in such a manner that the mobile terminal emits
monochromatic light or light with a plurality of colors. The signal
output may be terminated as the mobile terminal senses that a user
has checked the generated event, for example.
[0100] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external
devices to be connected with the mobile terminal 100. For example,
the interface unit 160 can receive data transmitted from an
external device, receive power to transfer to elements and
components within the mobile terminal 100, or transmit internal
data of the mobile terminal 100 to such external device. The
interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headset ports,
external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory
card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification
module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone
ports, or the like.
[0101] The identification module may be a chip that stores various
information for authenticating authority of using the mobile
terminal 100 and may include a user identity module (UIM), a
subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal subscriber identity
module (USIM), and the like. In addition, the device having the
identification module (also referred to herein as an "identifying
device") may take the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the
identifying device can be connected with the terminal 100 via the
interface unit 160.
[0102] When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external
cradle, the interface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow
power from the cradle to be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or
may serve as a passage to allow various command signals input by
the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal
there through. Various command signals or power input from the
cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile
terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.
[0103] The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of
the controller 180 and store input/output data (for example,
phonebook, messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170
may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and audio
which are output in response to touch inputs on the touch
screen.
[0104] The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage
mediums including a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk,
a silicon disk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory
(e.g., SD or DX memory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a
Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic
disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal 100 may
also be operated in relation to a network storage device that
performs the storage function of the memory 170 over a network,
such as the Internet.
[0105] The controller 180 may typically control the general
operations of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller
180 may set or release a lock state for restricting a user from
inputting a control command with respect to applications when a
status of the mobile terminal meets a preset condition.
[0106] The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and
processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video
calls, and the like, or perform pattern recognition processing to
recognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed
on the touch screen as characters or images, respectively. In
addition, the controller 180 can control one or a combination of
those components in order to implement various exemplary
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0107] The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide
internal power and supply the appropriate power required for
operating respective elements and components included in the mobile
terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery,
which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the
terminal body for charging.
[0108] The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The
connection port may be configured as one example of the interface
unit 160 to which an external charger for supplying power to
recharge the battery is electrically connected.
[0109] As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be
configured to recharge the battery in a wireless manner without use
of the connection port. In this example, the power supply unit 190
can receive power, transferred from an external wireless power
transmitter, using at least one of an inductive coupling method
which is based on magnetic induction or a magnetic resonance
coupling method which is based on electromagnetic resonance.
[0110] Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a
computer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar
medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination
thereof.
[0111] Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is
described with reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the
mobile terminal 100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a
variety of different configurations. Examples of such
configurations include watch-type, clip-type, glasses-type, or as a
folder-type, flip-type, slide-type, swing-type, and swivel-type in
which two and more bodies are combined with each other in a
relatively movable manner, and combinations thereof. Discussion
herein will often relate to a particular type of mobile terminal
(for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, and the like).
However, such teachings with regard to a particular type of mobile
terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminals as
well.
[0112] The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for
example, frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the
appearance of the terminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed
using a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic
components are incorporated into a space formed between the front
case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be
additionally positioned between the front case 101 and the rear
case 102.
[0113] The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of
the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, a window
151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101
to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the
front case 101.
[0114] In some embodiments, electronic components may also be
mounted to the rear case 102. Examples of such electronic
components include a detachable battery 191, an identification
module, a memory card, and the like. Rear cover 103 is shown
covering the electronic components, and this cover may be
detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear
cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, the electronic
components mounted to the rear case 102 are externally exposed.
[0115] As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the
rear case 102, a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially
exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may
also be completely shielded by the rear cover 103. In some
embodiments, the rear cover 103 may include an opening for
externally exposing a camera 121b or an audio output module
152b.
[0116] The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding
synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless
steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.
[0117] As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of
cases form an inner space for accommodating components, the mobile
terminal 100 may be configured such that one case forms the inner
space. In this example, a mobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is
formed in such a manner that synthetic resin or metal extends from
a side surface to a rear surface.
[0118] If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a
waterproofing unit (not shown) for preventing introduction of water
into the terminal body. For example, the waterproofing unit may
include a waterproofing member which is located between the window
151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the
rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103,
to hermetically seal an inner space when those cases are
coupled.
[0119] FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the
mobile terminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative
arrangements are possible and within the teachings of the instant
disclosure. Some components may be omitted or rearranged. For
example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be located on another
surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module
152b may be located on the side surface of the terminal body.
[0120] The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the
mobile terminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using
one or more suitable display devices. Examples of such suitable
display devices include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film
transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D)
display, an e-ink display, and combinations thereof.
[0121] The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display
devices, which can implement the same or different display
technology. For instance, a plurality of the display units 151 may
be arranged on one side, either spaced apart from each other, or
these devices may be integrated, or these devices may be arranged
on different surfaces.
[0122] The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which
senses a touch input received at the display unit. When a touch is
input to the display unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured
to sense this touch and the controller 180, for example, may
generate a control command or other signal corresponding to the
touch. The content which is input in the touching manner may be a
text or numerical value, or a menu item which can be indicated or
designated in various modes.
[0123] The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film
having a touch pattern, disposed between the window 151a and a
display on a rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire which
is patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a.
Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the
display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a
substrate of the display or within the display.
[0124] The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together
with the touch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user
input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may
replace at least some of the functions of the first manipulation
unit 123a.
[0125] The first audio output module 152a may be implemented in the
form of a speaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia
audio reproduction, and the like.
[0126] The window 151a of the display unit 151 will typically
include an aperture to permit audio generated by the first audio
output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be
released along an assembly gap between the structural bodies (for
example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In
this case, a hole independently formed to output audio sounds may
not be seen or is otherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby
further simplifying the appearance and manufacturing of the mobile
terminal 100.
[0127] The optical output module 154 can be configured to output
light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events
include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed
call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, information
reception through an application, and the like. When a user has
checked a generated event, the controller can control the optical
output unit 154 to stop the light output.
[0128] The first camera 121a can process image frames such as still
or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or
a video call mode. The processed image frames can then be displayed
on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170.
[0129] The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are
examples of the user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a
user to provide input to the mobile terminal 100. The first and
second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be commonly
referred to as a manipulating portion, and may employ any tactile
method that allows the user to perform manipulation such as touch,
push, scroll, or the like. The first and second manipulation units
123a and 123b may also employ any non-tactile method that allows
the user to perform manipulation such as proximity touch, hovering,
or the like.
[0130] FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123a as a
touch key, but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a
push key, a touch key, and combinations thereof.
[0131] Input received at the first and second manipulation units
123a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first
manipulation unit 123a may be used by the user to provide an input
to a menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and the second
manipulation unit 123b may be used by the user to provide an input
to control a volume level being output from the first or second
audio output modules 152a or 152b, to switch to a touch recognition
mode of the display unit 151, or the like.
[0132] As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input
unit (not shown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal
body. The rear input unit can be manipulated by a user to provide
input to the mobile terminal 100. The input may be used in a
variety of different ways. For example, the rear input unit may be
used by the user to provide an input for power on/off, start, end,
scroll, control volume level being output from the first or second
audio output modules 152a or 152b, switch to a touch recognition
mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rear input unit may
be configured to permit touch input, a push input, or combinations
thereof.
[0133] The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display
unit 151 of the front side in a thickness direction of the terminal
body. As one example, the rear input unit may be located on an
upper end portion of the rear side of the terminal body such that a
user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when the user
grabs the terminal body with one hand. Alternatively, the rear
input unit can be positioned at most any location of the rear side
of the terminal body.
[0134] Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement
some or all of the functionality of the first manipulation unit
123a in the rear input unit. As such, in situations where the first
manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display
unit 151 can have a larger screen.
[0135] As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may
include a finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The
controller 180 can then use fingerprint information sensed by the
finger scan sensor as part of an authentication procedure. The
finger scan sensor may also be installed in the display unit 151 or
implemented in the user input unit 123.
[0136] The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile
terminal 100, but other locations are possible. If desired,
multiple microphones may be implemented, with such an arrangement
permitting the receiving of stereo sounds.
[0137] The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the
mobile terminal 100 to interface with external devices. For
example, the interface unit 160 may include one or more of a
connection terminal for connecting to another device (for example,
an earphone, an external speaker, or the like), a port for near
field communication (for example, an Infrared Data Association
(IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, and the like),
or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile
terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form
of a socket for accommodating an external card, such as Subscriber
Identification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a
memory card for information storage.
[0138] The second camera 121b is shown located at the rear side of
the terminal body and includes an image capturing direction that is
substantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the
first camera unit 121a. If desired, second camera 121a may
alternatively be located at other locations, or made to be
moveable, in order to have a different image capturing direction
from that which is shown.
[0139] The second camera 121b can include a plurality of lenses
arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may also
be arranged in a matrix configuration. The cameras may be referred
to as an "array camera." When the second camera 121b is implemented
as an array camera, images may be captured in various manners using
the plurality of lenses and images with better qualities.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the
second camera 121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the
camera 121b, the flash 124 may illuminate the subject.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152b can
be located on the terminal body. The second audio output module
152b may implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with
the first audio output module 152a, and may be also used for
implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.
[0142] At least one antenna for wireless communication may be
located on the terminal body. The antenna may be installed in the
terminal body or formed by the case. For example, an antenna which
configures a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 may be
retractable into the terminal body. Alternatively, an antenna may
be formed using a film attached to an inner surface of the rear
cover 103, or a case that includes a conductive material.
[0143] A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile
terminal 100 may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the
terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal
body. The battery 191 may receive power via a power source cable
connected to the interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be
recharged in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. Wireless
charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or
electromagnetic resonance.
[0144] The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for
shielding the battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery
191, and to protect the battery 191 from an external impact or from
foreign material. When the battery 191 is detachable from the
terminal body, the rear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the
rear case 102.
[0145] An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or
extending the functions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be
provided on the mobile terminal 100. As one example of an
accessory, a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least
one surface of the mobile terminal 100 may be provided. The cover
or pouch may cooperate with the display unit 151 to extend the
function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of the
accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input
to a touch screen.
[0146] FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In
this figure, mobile terminal 200 is shown having display unit 251,
which is a type of display that is deformable by an external force.
This deformation, which includes display unit 251 and other
components of mobile terminal 200, may include any of curving,
bending, folding, twisting, rolling, and combinations thereof. The
deformable display unit 251 may also be referred to as a "flexible
display unit." In some implementations, the flexible display unit
251 may include a general flexible display, electronic paper (also
known as e-paper), and combinations thereof. In general, mobile
terminal 200 may be configured to include features that are the
same or similar to that of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0147] The flexible display of mobile terminal 200 is generally
formed as a lightweight, non-fragile display, which still exhibits
characteristics of a conventional flat panel display, but is
instead fabricated on a flexible substrate which can be deformed as
noted previously.
[0148] The term e-paper may be used to refer to a display
technology employing the characteristic of a general ink, and is
different from the conventional flat panel display in view of using
reflected light. E-paper is generally understood as changing
displayed information using a twist ball or via electrophoresis
using a capsule.
[0149] When in a state that the flexible display unit 251 is not
deformed (for example, in a state with an infinite radius of
curvature and referred to as a first state), a display region of
the flexible display unit 251 includes a generally flat surface.
When in a state that the flexible display unit 251 is deformed from
the first state by an external force (for example, a state with a
finite radius of curvature and referred to as a second state), the
display region may become a curved surface or a bent surface. As
illustrated, information displayed in the second state may be
visual information output on the curved surface. The visual
information may be realized in such a manner that a light emission
of each unit pixel (sub-pixel) arranged in a matrix configuration
is controlled independently. The unit pixel denotes an elementary
unit for representing one color.
[0150] According to one alternative embodiment, the first state of
the flexible display unit 251 may be a curved state (for example, a
state of being curved from up to down or from right to left),
instead of being in flat state. In this embodiment, when an
external force is applied to the flexible display unit 251, the
flexible display unit 251 may transition to the second state such
that the flexible display unit is deformed into the flat state (or
a less curved state) or into a more curved state.
[0151] If desired, the flexible display unit 251 may implement a
flexible touch screen using a touch sensor in combination with the
display. When a touch is received at the flexible touch screen, the
controller 180 can execute certain control corresponding to the
touch input. In general, the flexible touch screen is configured to
sense touch and other input while in both the first and second
states.
[0152] One option is to configure the mobile terminal 200 to
include a deformation sensor which senses the deforming of the
flexible display unit 251. The deformation sensor may be included
in the sensing unit 140.
[0153] The deformation sensor may be located in the flexible
display unit 251 or the case 201 to sense information related to
the deforming of the flexible display unit 251. Examples of such
information related to the deforming of the flexible display unit
251 may be a deformed direction, a deformed degree, a deformed
position, a deformed amount of time, an acceleration that the
deformed flexible display unit 251 is restored, and the like. Other
possibilities include most any type of information which can be
sensed in response to the curving of the flexible display unit or
sensed while the flexible display unit 251 is transitioning into,
or existing in, the first and second states.
[0154] In some embodiments, controller 180 or other component can
change information displayed on the flexible display unit 251, or
generate a control signal for controlling a function of the mobile
terminal 200, based on the information related to the deforming of
the flexible display unit 251. Such information is typically sensed
by the deformation sensor.
[0155] The mobile terminal 200 is shown having a case 201 for
accommodating the flexible display unit 251. The case 201 can be
deformable together with the flexible display unit 251, taking into
account the characteristics of the flexible display unit 251.
[0156] A battery (not shown in this figure) located in the mobile
terminal 200 may also be deformable in cooperation with the
flexible display unit 261, taking into account the characteristic
of the flexible display unit 251. One technique to implement such a
battery is to use a stack and folding method of stacking battery
cells.
[0157] The deformation of the flexible display unit 251 not limited
to perform by an external force. For example, the flexible display
unit 251 can be deformed into the second state from the first state
by a user command, application command, or the like.
[0158] A display unit 151 of a mobile terminal 100 according to the
present invention can include a main display area exposed to the
front side of the mobile terminal 100 and at least one or more
auxiliary display areas exposed to the side of the mobile terminal
100.
[0159] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for an example of a mobile
terminal 100 including a main display area and an auxiliary display
area. As shown in an example of FIG. 3A, a main display area 151-1
corresponds to a display area exposed to the front side of the
mobile terminal 100 and an auxiliary display area 151-2 may
correspond to a display area exposed to the side of the mobile
terminal 100. FIG. 3B is a perspective diagram of the mobile
terminal 100.
[0160] Each of the main display area 151-1 and the auxiliary
display area 151-2 can be implemented by a separate electronic
component. On the contrary, if the display unit 151 is implemented
by a flexible display capable of being freely bent, the main
display area 151-1 and the auxiliary display area 151-2 can be
formed in a manner of bending at least one or more ends of the
flexible display.
[0161] Meanwhile, according to the example shown in FIG. 3, the
auxiliary display area 151-2 is installed in both a left end and a
right end of the mobile terminal 100. Yet, the auxiliary display
area can be installed in one end only among the left and the right
end.
[0162] Embodiments of the present invention intend to propose a
control method capable of easily showing a picture to a different
person using a mobile terminal 100 in which the aforementioned
flexible display is installed.
[0163] FIG. 4 is a diagram for an example of a situation to which
one embodiment of the present invention is applied.
[0164] A user of a mobile terminal 100 may want to show a data
outputted via a display 151 to a different person 402 (hereinafter
a counterpart). For instance, the user of the mobile terminal may
show a picture taken by the user to a different person or intend to
make a presentation to a different person by outputting data via
the display 151.
[0165] When a user 401 of the mobile terminal 100 and a counterpart
402 are facing each other, if an output direction of the display
151 faces the counterpart 402, the user 401 is able to check no
information on an output screen currently displayed on the display
151 and is unable to perform any operation for the outputted
screen.
[0166] Hence, embodiments of the present invention propose to
output information for the user 401 using an auxiliary display area
151-2. In particular, when the main display area 151-1 faces the
counterpart 402, the user 401 can check outputted information using
the auxiliary display area 151-2.
[0167] Since the auxiliary display area 151-2 corresponds to an
area outputting data at the side of the mobile terminal 100 using a
flexible display, although the main display area 151-1 faces the
counterpart 402, the user 401 can read the data via the auxiliary
display area.
[0168] In the following drawing, although the main display area
151-1 and the auxiliary display area 151-2 are depicted as being
outputted on a same flat, it is apparent that the auxiliary display
area 151-2 can be outputted on the side of the mobile terminal
100.
[0169] And, information outputted on the auxiliary display area
151-2 may include a preview screen, a title, brief summary
information and the like of the data outputted toward the
counterpart 402.
[0170] Moreover, one embodiment of the present invention proposes
to control the data outputted on the main display area 151-1 using
the auxiliary display area 151-2.
[0171] In the following, a concrete control method is explained
with reference to attached drawings.
[0172] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a control method outputting data
information on an auxiliary display area according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0173] The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 explains an example of using a
gallery application, by which the present invention may be
non-limited.
[0174] In the step S501, a controller 180 outputs an execution
screen of a gallery application. In one embodiment of the present
invention, a mode configured to show an output data to a different
person is called a sharing mode. In the step S502, the controller
180 determines whether a prescribed gesture is detected via a
mobile terminal 100. If the prescribed gesture is detected, the
controller 180 enters the sharing mode.
[0175] The prescribed gesture corresponds to a user command to
enter the sharing mode. The prescribed gesture can be detected
using a sensing unit 140 of the mobile terminal 100 configured to
detect a movement. In particular, the present invention proposes to
automatically switch to the sharing mode when a movement is
detected by the sensing unit 140 of the mobile terminal 100.
Examples of the prescribed gesture are explained more in the
following description.
[0176] Gesture for Automatically Entering Sharing Mode
[0177] A controller can control to automatically enter a sharing
mode without a separate operation from a user when the user intends
to show a picture to a counterpart 402 while an image data is
outputted using a gallery application. In particular, the
controller 180 can control to enter the sharing mode by detecting a
prescribed gesture inputted on a sensing unit 140 or a touch screen
151. The prescribed gesture used for entering the sharing mode
should be a gesture capable of correctly detecting an execution
intention of a user. Hence, embodiments of the present invention
propose to enter the sharing mode using gestures described in the
following. One of a plurality of gestures disclosed in the
following can be independently applied. And, a part of a plurality
of the gestures can also be applied in a manner of being combined
with each other.
(1) First Example of Gesture
Flipping Gesture
[0178] FIG. 6 is a diagram for a first example of a gesture to
enter a sharing mode according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0179] As a first example, when a surface of a display 151 is
heading to the sky 601-1, if the surface of the display 151 rotates
in a gaze direction of a counterpart 402 and the rotation is
detected (rotates to a state of 601-2), the controller 180 may
determine it as a gesture to enter the sharing mode. In particular,
the controller detects a gesture of flipping a surface of the
mobile terminal 100 in the gaze direction of the counterpart
402.
[0180] More specifically, from a state that the surface of the
display 151 is heading to the sky, if the controller 180 detects
that the mobile terminal 100 rotates to make the surface of the
display 151 perpendicular to the ground, the controller can control
to enter the sharing mode.
[0181] Moreover, the controller 180 can enter the sharing mode by
further detecting whether the mobile terminal 100 is in a landscape
mode as well as the rotation. In particular, if an operation mode
of the mobile terminal 100 becomes the landscape mode by the
rotation, the controller 180 can enter the sharing mode. The
landscape mode corresponds to a case that a direction of a length
of the display 151 is horizontal to the ground or a case that a
direction of a width of the display 151 is vertical to the
ground.
[0182] In the following, a control method capable of being
implemented by the aforementioned mobile terminal and related
embodiments are explained with reference to attached drawings. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present
invention can be specified into other form(s) without departing
from the spirit or scope of the inventions.
(2) Second Example of Gesture
Touch Input Inputted on Touch Screen 151
[0183] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for a second example of a
gesture to enter a sharing mode according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The second example proposes to enter the sharing
mode based on a touch input detected by a touch screen 151.
[0184] In order to make a surface of a display 151 face a
counterpart 402, a side of a mobile terminal 100 is gripped like as
shown in FIG. 7A. In the second example, it may enter a sharing
mode by recognizing the grip and using a recognized result.
[0185] FIG. 7B is a diagram for more clearly showing a touch input
detected by a main display area 151-1 and an auxiliary display area
151-2. As shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of touch inputs 11a to 11d
can be detected by a touch screen according to a grip of a
user.
[0186] In case that a touch input of a user is detected by the
auxiliary display area 151-2, the grip shown in FIG. 7 may detect a
touch input of a user inputted via the auxiliary display area
151-2. As shown in FIG. 7B, a plurality of touch inputs 11a to 11d
can be detected on the auxiliary display 151-2 according to a grip
of a user.
[0187] As an example, if a touch is inputted on the top of the
auxiliary display area 151-2 and two or more touches are inputted
on the bottom of the auxiliary display area 151-2, the controller
180 can enter the sharing mode.
(3) Third Example of Gesture
Directional Microphone 122
[0188] In case of using a plurality of microphones 122, it may
determine an original location of a received voice using time
difference of voice data received from each of a plurality of the
microphones. In the third example, it is proposed to enter a
sharing mode by determining an original location of a user 401.
[0189] When a user 401 of the mobile terminal 100 and a counterpart
402 are facing each other, if a surface of a display 151 faces the
counterpart 402, the user 401 may face opposite side of the display
151. Hence, if it is determined that a direction of an original
location of a voice exists at a direction opposite to the surface
of the display 151 via a directional microphone 122, the controller
180 may enter the sharing mode. Moreover, the controller 180
identifies a voice of a user and may apply an original location of
the identified user voice as a sharing mode entering condition
only.
[0190] Referring back to FIG. 5, the controller 180 outputs a
thumbnail list on an auxiliary display area 151-2 in the sharing
mode [S503]. In this case, the thumbnail list can include a preview
thumbnail for a plurality of images data as well as a title for a
specific data or brief summary information as an item. Regarding an
operation for entering the sharing mode, it shall be explained in
more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0191] Control of Auxiliary Display Area in Sharing Mode
[0192] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for a control method displaying
an image and a thumbnail list in a sharing mode according to one
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is explained with
reference to the steps [S503 to S505] in a sharing mode among the
flowchart shown in FIG. 5.
[0193] Referring to FIG. 8A, it shows a state of executing a
gallery application before entering a sharing mode. The gallery
application may be non-limited by a specific application and may
include an application used for reading image data. Referring to
the diagram showing the state of executing the gallery application,
a controller 180 can output a thumbnail list 801-1 for a plurality
of image data via a display 151.
[0194] As mentioned in the foregoing description, if a prescribed
gesture input inputted by a user is detected, as shown in FIG. 8B,
the controller 180 can enter a sharing mode and may output a
thumbnail list 801-2 on an auxiliary display area 151-2 [S503].
Yet, if the thumbnail list 801-2 is outputted on the auxiliary
display area 151-2, the thumbnail list may be displayed by a line
or two lines according to an area.
[0195] As mentioned in the foregoing description, the sharing mode
may correspond to a mode that a user 401 of a mobile terminal 100
outputs a picture (or different data) and shows the picture to a
counterpart 402. Since it is assumed that a main display area 151-1
is seen to the counterpart 402 in the sharing mode according to one
embodiment of the present invention, outputted information and/or a
control area can be provided to the user 401 via the auxiliary
display area 151-2.
[0196] Moreover, the controller 180 can output one image data among
the thumbnail list 801-2 on the main display area 151-1. According
to an example shown in FIG. 8B, among a first thumbnail 801a, a
second thumbnail 801b, . . . included in the thumbnail list 801-2,
a first image data 803-1 corresponding to the first thumbnail 801a
is outputted on the main display area 151-1.
[0197] And, in order to make the first thumbnail 801a corresponding
to the first image data 803-1 to be identified in the thumbnail
list 801-2, it may display a selection indicator 802.
[0198] Meanwhile, as mentioned in the foregoing description, the
auxiliary display area 151-2 may correspond to an area seen to the
user 401. Hence, one embodiment of the present invention proposes
data outputted on the auxiliary display area 151-2 to be outputted
on the basis of a different direction. Regarding this embodiment,
it shall be described in the following with reference to FIGS. 9A
and 9B.
[0199] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for a control method of a
criterion differently outputting a main display area 151-1 and an
auxiliary area 151-2.
[0200] Referring to FIG. 9A, a thumbnail list 801-2 outputted on an
auxiliary display area 151-2 is outputted upside down and FIG. 9B
shows the auxiliary display area and a main display area 151-1 seen
from a vision of a user 401.
[0201] As shown in FIG. 9A, an output reference direction of the
auxiliary display area 151-2 corresponds to an up direction 900. As
shown in FIG. 9B, the auxiliary display area 151-2 is correctly
outputted on the basis of the vision of the user. Hence, the
controller 180 can control an output reference direction of the
main display area 151-1 and the output reference direction of the
auxiliary display area to be different from each other.
[0202] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for a control method
controlling a main display area 151-1 using a thumbnail list
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0203] Referring to FIG. 10A, it shows a state in a sharing mode. A
thumbnail list 801-2 is outputted in an auxiliary display area
151-2. If an input 10a selecting an item from the thumbnail list
801-2 is received, the controller 180 outputs an image data
corresponding to the selected item on the main display area
151-1.
[0204] Meanwhile, the selection input 10a may correspond to an
input touching an item to select and dragging the item to the main
display area 151-1, by which the present invention may be
non-limited.
[0205] As shown in FIG. 10A, if an input 10a selecting a second
thumbnail 801b is received, the controller 180 can output an image
data corresponding to the second thumbnail 801b on the main display
area 151-1 as shown in FIG. 10B. And, in order to make the second
thumbnail 802b to be identified in the thumbnail list 801-2, the
controller 180 can output a selection indicator 802 on the second
thumbnail 810b.
[0206] In particular, in case of showing a picture to a counterpart
402, a user 401 may be able to control the picture to be selected
and outputted using the auxiliary display area 151-2 only without
reading data outputted on the main display area 151-1.
[0207] If an image data corresponds to a video data, one embodiment
of the present invention proposes to additionally output a control
area on an auxiliary area to play the video data. Regarding this
embodiment, it shall be described in the following with reference
to FIG. 11.
[0208] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a control area configured to control playback of a video
data on an auxiliary display area 151-2 according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0209] Referring to FIG. 11A, a thumbnail list 801-2 is outputted
on an auxiliary display area 151-2 and assume that a third
thumbnail 801c among the thumbnail list 801-2 corresponds to a
video data. If an input 10b selecting the third thumbnail is
received, the controller 180 can further output a control area 1101
on the auxiliary display area 151-2 to control output of a video.
The control area 1101 is outputted on the auxiliary display area
151-2 instead of the main display area 151-1 to make a user 402
more conveniently control playback of video data. This is because
the auxiliary display area 151-2 corresponds to an output area
provided to the user 402.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 11B, the control area 1101 can include a
playback icon 1101a, a rewind icon 1101b and a fast-forward icon
1101c.
[0211] Meanwhile, if the input 10b selecting the third thumbnail is
received, the controller 180 can play a video data corresponding to
the third thumbnail via the main display area 151-1. The controller
180 may additionally control video data in response to a user input
received via the control area 1101.
[0212] Meanwhile, it may be not easy to control playback of a video
using the aforementioned control area 1101 only. Hence, one
embodiment of the present invention proposes to output a playback
progressive bar on the auxiliary display area 151-2 in case of
playing a video data. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be
described in the following with reference to FIG. 12.
[0213] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a playback progressive bar on an auxiliary display area
151-2 while a video data is played according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0214] Referring to FIG. 12A, it shows a state that a third
thumbnail 801c corresponding to a video data is selected in a
sharing mode. Referring to FIG. 12A, it shows a still frame of the
video data corresponding to the third thumbnail 801c.
[0215] If a playback command is received via a control area 1101,
the controller 180 outputs a video data on the main display area
151-1 and can output a playback progressive bar 1201 on the
auxiliary display area 151-2 in response to the played video data.
And, the controller may output the third thumbnail 801c on the
auxiliary display area together with the playback progressive bar
1201.
[0216] If a position of a playback point indicator 1202 is moved to
the left or right on the playback progressive bar 1201, the
controller 180 may play a video by changing a playback point of the
video. Since a control method using the playback progressive bar
1201 is identical to a general control method, detailed explanation
is omitted at this time.
[0217] Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention proposes
to control output of a main display area 151-1 using a gesture
input of a user received via an auxiliary display area 151-2.
Regarding this embodiment, it shall be described in the following
with reference to FIG. 13.
[0218] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for a control method
controlling an output of a main display area in response to a touch
gesture input of a user received on an auxiliary display area
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0219] Referring to FIG. 13A, it show a sharing mode. An image
corresponding to a first thumbnail 801a is outputted on a main
display area 151-1 and a thumbnail list 801-2 is outputted on an
auxiliary display area 151-2.
[0220] If prescribed touch gestures 10d and 10e are received on the
auxiliary display area 151-2, the controller 180 can control an
output of the main display area 151-1. According to one embodiment
of the present invention, it is able to control the main display
area 151-1 to output a next image in response to an input touching
10d the auxiliary display area 151-2 and dragging 10e in a first
direction. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present
invention, it is able to control the main display area 151-1 to
output a previous image in response to an input touching 10d the
auxiliary display area 151-2 and dragging in a second
direction.
[0221] Meanwhile, a different embodiment of the present invention
intends to provide a control method to provide convenience to a
user using specificity of an auxiliary display area. In particular,
the present invention proposes a control method in case of
executing an application capable of playing music. In the
following, the control method is explained with reference to FIG.
14 and FIG. 15.
[0222] FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for a control method
outputting a control area necessary for playing music via an
auxiliary display area according to one embodiment of the present
invention in case of executing a music playback application.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 14A, it shows an execution screen of a
music playback application executed by a mobile terminal 100 via a
main display area 151-1. The mobile terminal 100 outputs a music
playback list 1401 on an auxiliary display area 151-2.
[0224] As shown in the music playback list of FIG. 14A, each item
on the list can include at least one selected from the group
consisting of `music title`, `playing time` and `album image`. If
an input selecting one item from the music playback list 1401 is
received, the controller 180 can play music corresponding to the
selected item.
[0225] FIG. 14B is a diagram for a state of a display unit 151 in
case of playing music. One embodiment of the present invention
proposes to use an auxiliary display area 151-2 to output a control
area capable of controlling music playback in case of playing
music.
[0226] Referring to FIG. 14B, `album image` and/or `song lyrics` is
outputted on a main display area 151-1 and a control area 1405 and
a playback progressive bar 1404 are outputted on an auxiliary
display area 151-2. In particular, according to one embodiment of
the present invention, when music is playing, control of music
playback can be more conveniently performed via the control area
1405 and the playback progressive bar 1404 outputted on the
auxiliary display area 151-2.
[0227] In particular, in case of playing music, amount of
information outputted on the display may be relatively small.
Hence, it may be more convenient to provide a control area using
the auxiliary display area 151-2. This is because, if the main
display area 151-1 is inactivated and the auxiliary display area
151-2 is activated only, music playback can be controlled while
power loss is minimized. A strong point of the aforementioned
control method is explained in more detail in the following with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0228] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a merit of a
control method controlling music playback in an auxiliary display
area according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0229] As mentioned earlier in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B shows a
state that a control area is provided on an auxiliary display area
151-2. In this case, although a display is inactivated, music
should be continuously played. Hence, according to a legacy control
method, when music is played in a state that the display is
inactivated, if a user intends to control the music playback, the
user should activate the inactivated display.
[0230] On the contrary, according to the aforementioned one
embodiment of the present invention, since the control area is able
to be provided by activating the auxiliary display area 151-2 only,
it is able to perform preferred control only without unnecessary
power waste.
[0231] And, as shown in FIG. 15B, although a main display area
151-1 of a mobile terminal 100 is covered by a cover 1501, an
auxiliary display area 151-2 installed in the side of the mobile
terminal 100 may not be covered by the cover. Hence, although the
main display area is covered by the cover, a user may be able to
easily control music playback via the auxiliary display area
151-2.
[0232] Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the mobile terminal 100 can further detect that the
mobile terminal is covered by the cover. If the mobile terminal
detects that the mobile terminal is covered by the cover, the
mobile terminal may control a control area 1405 and/or a playback
progressive bar 1404 to be outputted on the auxiliary display area
151-2.
[0233] Advantages and effects of a mobile terminal according to the
present invention and a method of controlling therefor are
explained in the following.
[0234] According to at least one of embodiments of the present
invention, it is able to provide UI appropriate for a mobile
terminal to which a flexible display is applied.
[0235] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention can be specified into other form(s) without
departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions.
[0236] The above-described methods can be implemented in a program
recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable
media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable
by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media
include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical
data storage devices, and the like for example and also include
carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via
Internet). And, the computer can include the control unit 180 of
the terminal.
[0237] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *